Dana Carvey Sidelined by Flu, Missing SNL50 Special

New York, NY — Dana Carvey, a staple of Saturday Night Live, was notably absent from the highly anticipated SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 18 due to illness. The comedian, who has made several appearances this season, including portraying President Joe Biden and reviving his popular Church Lady character, was struck by a severe flu, rendering him unable to attend.

n

According to Variety, while Carvey could not make the event, his longtime friend and podcast co-host, David Spade, did participate, highlighting the surprise at Carvey’s absence given his illustrious SNL history. Carvey has been a breakout star of the show since his tenure as a cast member from 1986 to 1993 and has returned frequently throughout the years.

n

Fans are eager to learn more about Carvey’s condition and thoughts on missing the celebration, which is expected to be addressed in the upcoming episode of their podcast, Fly on the Wall With Dana Carvey and David Spade, typically released on Wednesdays.

n

Bill Hader, another beloved alumnus who was part of the SNL cast from 2005 to 2013, also missed the anniversary event. A representative for Hader stated that he had a “longstanding scheduling conflict,” frustrating fans expecting to see him join the celebration.

n

Original cast member Dan Aykroyd, who was part of the inaugural SNL lineup from 1975 to 1979, also did not attend. His representative indicated that Aykroyd had “prior commitments.” Despite missing out, Aykroyd acknowledged the milestone on social media, mentioning his pride in co-founding SNL alongside his peers during its formative years.

n

On social media, Aykroyd posted, “Cracking a Head with pride at having been a co-founder of SNL along with everyone we were together with in those four years, five decades ago. This telecast is as historical as the next moon landing. Comedy stars of our age all gathered under the aegis of America’s greatest.”

n

In a November interview, Aykroyd hinted at conditions regarding his involvement, stating, “It depends on how I can serve… How I can serve Lorne and the whole enterprise best. That’ll determine whether I go or not.” His absence and that of others, including notable SNL alums Colin Quinn and Dennis Miller, did not go unnoticed by fans.

n

Despite the notable absences, the surviving members of the original “Not Ready for Prime Time” cast were present, contributing to a night filled with nostalgia, tributes, and memorable performances. The SNL50 special successfully celebrated the legacy of the show, underscoring its significance in American comedy history.